Low-income residents in need of health care now have another option, thanks to a local tribal-owned clinic.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi announced Friday that the Mshkiki Community Clinic, 1986 Mall Place in Benton Harbor, has added two new health care professionals to its team of providers. Dr. Gregory Wallin, M.D. and Shanta Clark, PA-C, are now accepting new patients.
“We are excited to provide another healthcare choice for Medicaid eligible and low-income residents in Benton Harbor and Benton Township,” said Pokagon Health Services Director Priscilla Gatties. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Wallin and Shanta Clark to the Mshkiki Community Clinic team. Combined, they bring a wealth of medical experience and specialized skills that will provide a strong foundation of care at the clinic.”
Wallin offers more than 10 years of combined experience in primary care and obesity medicine, while Clark is also trained in obesity medicine. Clark created the weight loss program at the Pokagon clinic in Dowagiac, which Gatties said provided a big help to patients there.
While Mshkiki Community Clinic is owned by the Pokagon Band and “Mshkiki” is the Potawatomi word for medicine, the clinic is open to anyone in the community.
“You don’t have to be Native American or a member of the Pokagon Band to seek services,” Gatties said. “The Pokagon Band has many years of experience providing care for those who are a part of a traditionally underserved community.”
Mshkiki Community Clinic was established in 2021 to serve the primary medical and dental care needs of Medicaid eligible and low-income residents living in Benton Harbor and Benton Township. Primary medical care services offered at the clinic include acute care, chronic disease management, immunizations, minor procedures, routine exams, back-to-school physicals, and well-child visits.
The clinic’s respiratory services include respiratory care for potential COVID-19 or other respiratory infections, COVID-19 testing, and COVID-19 vaccinations. Unlike other Medicaid participating clinics, Tribal Health Centers do not collect copays from Medicaid patients.
“It feels good to provide choice when it comes to the health care needs of the Benton Harbor and Benton Township community,” said Pokagon Tribal Chairwoman Rebecca Richards. “With the addition of our new medical providers, we are confident we can serve residents in the Benton Harbor area, especially those in need.”
To schedule an appointment, call (269) 945-5854 or email info@MshkikiClinic.com. More information on the Mshkiki Community Clinic can be found at MshkikiClinic.com.
By Ryan Yuenger
ryany@wsjm.com
